Ramadan and Eid al Fitr in Morocco

Ramadan is a one month long fasting for all Muslims around the world. It is a faithful practice that its aim is to connect with the creator, and to reflect on the spirituality and well being. Abstaining from food, sex, and drinks from just before the sunrise to sunset is a physical practice that requires a strong conviction of what you are doing and why your are doing it. Besides the physical element of fasting, the month of Ramadan is a period where you give charity to the poor, be kind to others (similar to thanksgiving in USA), and increase your prayers and supplications to God.

Many visitors balk at coming to Morocco during Ramadan, wondering what they could experience, but there is no reason you should be worried about when coming to Morocco at this time. There are a number of restaurants that stays open during the day (major tourist sports), and you could still enjoy seeing attractions and sightseeing during the day. However, it is important to plan ahead before coming at this time of the year.

This is also an occasion to see part of Moroccan and Muslims culture and rituals that you probably never seen before, at the sunset, many mosques have free meal, the night time becomes day time, where many shops and markets open.

After a month long fasting, Muslims prepare to make Eid al-fiter, it is a 2 to 3 days celebration of the end of the fasting, it begins by giving zakat al-fitr or charity to the poor (this is a mandatory practice for the able ones). After that, people go to mosala (open space) to pray the morning eid prayer in congregation, and after that, they congratulate themselves and greet each other. During the day, many families visit each others, and connect with love ones. The eid days are marked by celebration, families visit, and eating!.

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Many people don’t know a lot about Morocco. But, since you are here, you would probably like to know more. Exploring Morocco will try to bring you up close to Morocco’s attractions, festivals, events, cuisine, and much more.